Vietnam on High Alert as Typhoon Kajiki Nears Landfall

Vietnam has launched large-scale emergency measures as Typhoon Kajiki, the strongest storm of the year so far, edges closer to its central coastline. Packing winds of up to 166 km/h (103 mph), the storm was located about 110 km offshore on Monday morning and is expected to make landfall later in the day.

Authorities have ordered widespread shutdowns across vulnerable areas. Schools have been closed, fishing operations suspended, and boats grounded to minimize risks. Two airports—Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh—have canceled numerous flights as part of precautionary measures.

Mass evacuations are also underway. Roughly 30,000 people have already been relocated, with more than 500,000 residents anticipated to move from low-lying and high-risk areas. The government has mobilized over 16,500 soldiers and 107,000 paramilitary forces to assist in rescue, relief, and emergency response efforts.

Officials have warned that Kajiki could bring torrential rain, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in central provinces with weaker infrastructure. The looming threat has drawn comparisons to Typhoon Yagi, which struck Vietnam last year, leaving nearly 300 dead and causing around $3.3 billion in damages.

The typhoon has already battered China’s Hainan Island, forcing temporary closures of transport services and businesses in Sanya City. While China has since lowered its storm alert, authorities caution that heavy rainfall remains possible.

Meteorologists forecast that after striking Vietnam, Kajiki will weaken as it moves inland, sweeping into Laos and northern Thailand. For now, Vietnam remains on maximum alert, with coordinated evacuations, flight suspensions, and military deployments aimed at reducing casualties and limiting the storm’s economic impact.